Worker dies after being ‘ingested into engine’ at airport in Alabama

A US ground crew worker has died after being “ingested into the engine” of an aircraft while they worked a shift at an airport in Montgomery, Alabama.

The National Transportation Safety Board said in a statement to Insider that the tragic accident happened while an American Airlines Embraer 170 was parked at the gate with at least one engine on.

“A preliminary report is expected in two to three weeks,” the statement read.

The accident occurred on Saturday around 3pm. The so far unnamed worker was employed by Piedmont Airlines, a subsidiary of the American Airlines Group.

“We are saddened to hear about the tragic loss of a team member of the AA/Piedmont Airlines. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family during this difficult time,” ” said Wade A Davis, the airport’s executive director, in a statement.